The light at the end of the tunnel is near for my seven-month-long project, “Finding Washingtonia” documentary (for background, see my previous post here). This film project has taught me much about myself and the world around me. I’m grateful for the opportunities to capture and tell people’s stories that are unique and impactful to a greater community, not just myself. Shooting a documentary overseas is probably the most challenging project I’ve taken on in my four years at Messiah University.
As I wrap up my edits for this second and final cut of my documentary, I’m thankful for the opportunity to make edits and improve it. There was so much more to this story that I didn’t realize then.
At the same time, all my little projects led up to this moment and prepared me for this large documentary project. I’m thankful for the guidance of many professors who have poured into me on both the digital side and the humanist side.
I have recently completed a Story Map in conjunction with the documentary. This map delves into the intricate details behind the scenes, offering insights into the extensive process involved in creating such a film. This website’s story aims to enhance people’s comprehension of the project’s process while shedding light on various elements that offer context to the film. Through this platform, viewers can explore our discovery timeline, follow the sequential stages of filmmaking, and glean essential insights gained from the culmination of this monumental documentary project.
This documentary is an excellent show of hybrid skills across vocations. And now, after a good few months of reflection, I can step back into this world with a new perspective on how to tell this story that will be more influential on viewers than what the first project turned out to be. Acknowledging why this story is vital within my documentary was crucial for me to include because it adds new depth to the project that it didn’t have before. Also, having the opportunity to interview Nick Barnes, Dr. Pettegrew, and Dr. Kourelis again and interviewing Dr. Sarvis and Alex Shehigan for the first time provided new and exciting perspectives that I missed out on during my first cut.
My trailer is now live! The full documentary will premiere on YouTube in January of 2024!
Keli Ganey is a Senior History major at Messiah University with a concentration in Public History and a minor in Digital Public Humanities. Now graduating in December, Keli’s future plans include Graduate school to receive her Masters in Public History.
She holds the position of student assistant to the Dean of the School of Arts Culture and Society as well as Humanities scholarship program leadership council co-chair, President of the Messiah History Club, Public Historian for Emmy Nominated Yellow Breeches Television and serves on the editorial staff. Keli also is a Chester Way Fellow under Dr. David Pettegrew for her final semester. You can see her many works in various forms on her personal website.
Digital Harrisburg 